MILWAUKEE — Seth Smith may soon lose his title as the major leagues’ best fourth outfielder. After a strong spring training, Smith will start opening day in left field, nudging Carlos Gonzalez to center field and Dexter Fowler to the bench.
Manager Jim Tracy based his decision on numbers and observation. Smith hit .352 in spring training, compared with Fowler’s .229. And Smith pounded right-handed pitching last season, delivering 12 home runs in 277 at-bats. The Rockies face right-hander Yovani Gallardo today at Miller Park.
Tracy never used the word platoon, but he made it clear he will look to maximize production out of his five-man outfield.
“The way it sets up with the pitching we are facing, this makes the most sense. Dexter is still working some things out left-handed,” said Tracy, who told the players involved of his decision Saturday. “I keep getting asked how we are going to find time for our group of five outfielders. They are all going to play.”
The decision to go with Smith is also connected to defense. Gonzalez is a terrific center fielder — “I was surprised, but I am ready to go wherever they want me,” Gonzalez said — and Smith, 27, has proved serviceable with the glove.
“I’m happy to be in there. I’ve worked hard to improve my defense, because sadly, I didn’t put in the time (in practice) before 2007 that I needed to,” Smith said. “It wasn’t natural out there for me. Now, I feel comfortable.”
Ninth wonder.
Franklin Morales will be the Rockies’ primary closer, but Tracy confirmed Sunday that he could bring in a right- hander based on certain matchups. He used the hypothetical situation of Ryan Braun (.395 average against lefties last season) hitting in the ninth to illustrate his point.
“That’s a spot where I might think of making a move,” Tracy said. “And I wouldn’t want Frankie to think he has failed.”
Francis improves.
Jeff Francis’ soreness under his left armpit has diminished. The left-hander, who said the injury is not related to his surgically repaired shoulder, hopes to play catch Tuesday before eventually returning to Tucson for extended spring training. A similar injury kept Morales sidelined for six weeks last season.
“It’s tough because I pitched so well (Thursday). I got great extension. That’s how I need to pitch. And that’s how I will pitch when I come back,” Francis said.
Footnotes.
The Rockies swept the Brewers at Miller Park last June, part of a road trip that turned around their season. . . . The Brewers have considered starting veteran Jim Edmonds ahead of Corey Hart in right field today. Hart, who suffered through a terrible spring, has been mentioned in trade talks.
